Signs of Opioid Overdose and What to Do in an Emergency
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. In this guide, we’ll cover what to watch for, how to respond in a crisis, and when to seek treatment. In 2021 alone, the United States reported over 71,000 opioid overdose deaths. Opioids—whether prescribed or illicit—affect the brain and body by blocking pain signals, slowing heart […]
Why MAT Isn’t Just Replacing One Addiction With Another
One of the sharpest controversies in the field of addiction treatment revolves around whether medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is just replacing one addiction with another. Much of the MAT controversy in addiction treatment centers on the use of methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to treat drug addiction. These medications interact with the same opioid receptors in the […]
Pros and Cons of Using Methadone for Pain Management
Methadone is a powerful medication with many uses. Learn more about using methadone for pain management. Many people associate using methadone solely for addiction treatment, but it has other uses. Methadone is among several opioid analgesics useful for chronic pain management. This medication provides opioid pain relief, and it alters how your body responds to […]
Factors Affecting Methadone Metabolism
Everyone’s body processes methadone at a different rate. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that involves methadone maintenance helps patients feel relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms. Managing these symptoms allows patients to utilize counseling and other resources to address their addiction from a psychological and emotional standpoint. However, some people considering methadone treatment worry about methadone detection in […]
Foods to Avoid During Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Foods to Avoid While Taking Methadone Methadone interactions with common foods are sometimes overlooked. Opioid addiction recovery involves changing many aspects of your life, sometimes including eating habits. If you take methadone as part of a medication-assisted treatment program, pay special attention to what you eat and drink. Certain foods can cause interactions or side […]
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Missing a dose of buprenorphine or methadone can happen, especially if you are newly starting treatment, but don’t panic. Accidentally skipping one dose during opioid addiction treatment is okay if you connect with your clinic immediately upon remembering. Your clinic can advise you on whether you should promptly take the missed amount or wait because […]
Opioid Agonist Treatment
There are two main prescription drugs used in opioid agonist therapy: methadone and buprenorphine. Both medications replace the need for short-acting opioids during an addiction. Opioid agonists prevent feelings of withdrawal for 24 hours or more, which is helpful for individuals in all stages of recovery. The following details explain the main differences between methadone […]
Methadone and Headaches
For over 50 years, doctors have used methadone to help patients with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Methadone maintenance is an effective treatment for many people, but some worry about potential side effects like headaches. Below, learn more about the relationship between methadone and headaches during opioid treatment. What Is Methadone? Methadone is a […]
Methadone Mile in Boston
For years, the “Methadone Mile” in Boston has caused serious problems for the city and the area’s residents. While the city makes attempts to address the drug addiction problem that gives the area its name, individuals can also get help by finding lasting recovery from their personal addictions to opioids or other drugs. What Is […]
Methadone, Addiction and Diabetes
Since 1980, the prevalence of diabetes in the worldwide adult population has increased from 4.7% to 8.5%. Sufferers of painful diabetic neuropathy, or PDN, make up 10 to 20% of people with diabetes. A review of recent literature described opioid analgesics such as methadone, morphine, tramadol and tapentadol as recommended second- or third-line agents for managing moderate to severe neuropathic pain. As […]